Can you get travel insurance if you have cancer?

Looking for travel insurance for cancer? Standard providers don’t typically cover cancer patients or survivors. You need to find a specialist medical provider like JustCover. 

We think everyone deserves to enjoy their holiday, so we’ll consider more than 1,300 pre-existing medical conditions. This includes cancer patients currently living with breast, prostate, lung, brain or skin cancer, along with those in remission. 

Why do you need travel insurance for cancer?

Travel insurance for individuals with cancer can help if something goes wrong on your holiday. It’s there in case of a medical emergency or if your medication is stolen. You can go away knowing you’re fully covered:

• The Marie Keating Foundation estimates that “44,073 cancers or related tumours” are diagnosed in Ireland each year. We believe everyone deserves to enjoy their holiday, especially if they’re a cancer patient or survivor.
• As a specialist medical provider, we can offer travel insurance to individuals with cancer. However, many standard providers won’t. The Irish Cancer Society says: “It can be more difficult for people who have cancer or have had cancer to get travel insurance to cover these costs.” 
• When buying travel insurance, it’s important to declare if you’re a cancer patient, whether you’re in remission or a cancer survivor. Otherwise, you may not be covered if something goes wrong.
  

Macmillan says: “You should always tell your insurer about pre-existing medical conditions. And you must answer any questions they ask fully and accurately. If you do not, and you later need to make a claim for anything, they could refuse to pay or may cancel your policy. They may do this even if your claim is not related to a pre-existing condition”.

Travel insurance for cancer is essential. It means you won’t be out of pocket if you face emergency medical bills or need to be repatriated back to Ireland. With a policy, you’ll get:

• Cover for emergency medical expenses: This includes those linked to your cancer diagnosis, or if you need to be flown back in an emergency. Medical repatriation can easily cost tens of thousands of Euros if you need it. 
• Cancellation: If you have to cancel your trip unexpectedly due to your condition.
• Protection for your medication and medical equipment: If it’s lost, damaged or stolen, we’ll help pay for replacements.
• Medical evacuation: If you face a medical emergency while you’re away and you can’t get the treatment you need locally.
• Our 24/7 emergency medical helpline: There when you need it, our team is just a phone call away. 
• Much more: The best holiday insurance for cancer patients will also include protection for your belongings. Along with cover for travel delays and curtailment. For full details of travel insurance for cancer and any exclusions, read our Policy Wording.

It’s quick and simple to declare your cancer and fill in our medical questionnaire. Get travel insurance for a person with cancer today.

Stages of cancer covered

We’ll consider all stages of cancer for travel insurance. Whether you’re awaiting a diagnosis, have stage 1, 2, 3 or 4 cancer, or are in remission. We’ll consider travel insurance for those with cancer that is secondary or metastatic, as well as those going through chemo and radiation therapy. We can also consider single trip travel insurance for those with a terminal prognosis.

Do you have to declare cancer for travel insurance purposes?

Yes, you must declare cancer when buying travel insurance if it’s a pre-existing medical condition. If you don’t, you’ll not be covered for any costs associated with your cancer and may invalidate your policy. 

A pre-existing medical condition is any condition that falls within the medical warranty. You must disclose to us if you or anyone else insured on this policy has: 

• In the last two years, taken prescription medicine, had medical treatment, spoken to a doctor, or been offered palliative care;
• Been placed on a waiting list that could lead you to cancel or cut short your trip; or 
• Been advised of a terminal illness.

How to get travel insurance if you have cancer

Standard providers are likely to turn you down if you have cancer. However, the best travel insurance for cancer patients is simple at JustCover. As a specialist medical provider, we help people with pre-existing medical conditions get cover every day:

1. Start the process online or call us free: Tell us a little about you, your trip and the cover you need. If you have a terminal prognosis, please give our team a call to do this. 
2. Answer our medical questionnaire: Declare any pre-existing medical conditions you have, including your cancer. We’ll then ask you some questions about your conditions. 
3. Get your quote: You can choose to save it for later or buy your policy straight away. Always read our Policy Wording before buying cancer travel insurance.

What to expect in the medical questionnaire

We’ll need to ask you some questions about your cancer in our medical questionnaire. It can be helpful to have your medical history and prescriptions to hand before starting this. Once complete, you’ll get your quote for travel insurance for cancer. 

Questions we might ask include:

• What type of cancer do you have? 
• What stage is it?
• When were you diagnosed?
• Has your cancer spread since your initial diagnosis? 
• Are you undergoing, or waiting for, any treatment?
• Are you in remission?
• Have you had a terminal prognosis?
• Do you currently take any medication or need any medical equipment?
• Are you currently experiencing symptoms?
• When was the last time you saw your medical team? 

We may also ask you a number of questions regarding the type of cancer you have. For instance, if you’re looking for travel insurance with prostate cancer, we may ask you questions specific to your condition. 

It’s important to answer all of our questions honestly and accurately. Otherwise, you might invalidate your policy or risk not being covered for issues you face when you’re away.

How much does travel insurance cost for people with cancer?

Travel insurance for a person with cancer is likely to cost more than a standard policy. This is because you’re more likely to need to make a claim. However, we’ll always tailor your policy to your specific needs. So if you’ve been in remission for a long time, your policy will probably cost less than for someone in treatment. 

Factors impacting the cost of travel insurance for people with cancer include:

• The type and stage of your cancer: Some types and stages of cancer can mean you’re more likely to need emergency medical care while away. As well as increasing the chance of you cancelling your trip.
• If you need cover for any medication or medical equipment: If you require either of these, your policy will probably cost a little more.
• Any other pre-existing medical conditions: For instance, if you also have another pre-existing medical condition, such as diabetes, asthma or a heart condition.
• Your age: If you’re a senior traveller, you’re more likely to need to make a claim while you’re away as the risk increases.
• Where you’re going and how long for: Some places, such as the USA and Singapore, have expensive healthcare systems. This will push up the price of your policy.
• Any extra cover you need: We offer additional cover for golf holidays, cruises, gadgets and activities.  

How can cancer patients get cheaper travel insurance? 

If you’re looking for cheaper travel insurance for cancer patients, there are a few things you can consider:

• Change your destination and choose a country with a more affordable healthcare system. 
• Go for a shorter trip. A policy for a weekend away will be much less than for a 2-week trip.
• Consider an annual multi-trip policy: This could save you money if you’re going away more than once this year 

Remember, you must declare your cancer in our medical questionnaire. If you try to reduce the cost of travel insurance by not declaring your condition, you may invalidate your policy. 

Find the best travel insurance for cancer

We’re here to help you get the right protection in place, so you can concentrate on making the most of your time away.

Single trip travel insurance
Have a special holiday planned in the coming year? Our single trip cover takes care of you from the moment you leave home until the day you return.

Annual multi-trip travel insurance
Enjoy travelling regularly? With our annual policy, you can head off on as many adventures as you like throughout the year, without the hassle of arranging new cover each time.

Why choose JustCover for your cancer travel insurance? 

Get protection for emergency medical expenses, unexpected cancellation, or if your medication is lost or stolen. With the best travel insurance for cancer patients, we’ve got your back wherever you’re heading:

• 98% of our customers rate us as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Great’²
• Get up to unlimited cover for emergency medical expenses and repatriation
• Our 24/7 emergency medical helpline is on hand when you need it
• Up to €10,000 cancellation cover available³
• 98.8% of our customers would recommend JustCover to family and friends⁴

Specialist travel insurance for cancer

We offer a whole range of travel insurance for those with cancer. Whether you’re a senior traveller or have multiple pre-existing medical conditions. Find the right policy for you: 

Seniors travel insurance: Whether you’re over 60 or over 85. We’ll consider you, even if you have pre-existing medical conditions.

Travel insurance with medical conditions: From diabetes to COPD, as a specialist medical provider, we cover more than 1300 conditions. 

Family travel insurance: Get everyone insured on the same policy, and you’ll all be covered if something goes wrong. 

Cruise travel insurance: Get cover for the unique issues you might face on a cruise, from illness onboard to missed excursions.

Destinations covered by cancer travel insurance

We know, wherever you’re going, getting travel insurance for cancer can be hard. As a specialist medical travel insurance provider, we can cover trips near and far: 

Europe: Whether you’re planning a weekend break or a big trip. Get travel insurance for Turkey, Spain, France and more. 

Worldwide: Flying off further afield? Get travel insurance for the USA, Australia, Thailand or Dubai. 

Will an EHIC cover you abroad if you have cancer?

The EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) will give you access to some emergency state medical care. It only applies in some countries, mainly within Europe. You’ll get treatment at the same price as locals, which isn’t always free. It also won’t cover all treatment or costs, such as medical repatriation.

It’s important to take both your EHIC and travel insurance for cancer when you go away. Travel insurance will help with emergency medical costs not covered by the EHIC, as well as covering you for unexpected cancellation and the loss or theft of your bags. 

Tips for travelling with cancer

We know travelling with cancer can be stressful. As well as buying travel insurance for cancer, here are some tips on making your trip go smoothly: 

• Speak to your medical team. The Irish Cancer Society advises: “It’s always best to talk to your consultant if you want to go away.” They can advise if you’re fit to travel and any precautions you should take, including what to do or where to go if you become unwell. Ask them whether any travel vaccinations you need are suitable for you. 
• Collect your medical details together. Just in case you need it while away. It’s wise to pack a doctor’s letter stating your diagnosis, treatment and medication and your medical team’s contact details. 
• Take precautions in the sun. Macmillan says: “Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and many other cancer drugs can make your skin and eyes more sensitive to the sun. It is important to know how to protect yourself in the sun.”
• Pack plenty of medication. Including some extra in case you’re delayed. You should also think about any over-the-counter medications you might need, especially ones you may not be able to find at your destination. Check any rules on bringing your medication into the country you’re visiting. 
• Be careful when flying. The Irish Cancer Society says you should: “Check with your doctor if you need medication to prevent blood clots in your legs if you’re taking a long-haul flight. They may advise you to wear special stockings too.” Make sure you get up and walk about, or do leg exercises, during your flight. Your doctor may advise against flying if you have certain types of cancer. 
• Speak to your airline in advance. Your airline may need a fit-to-fly certificate. Also, let them know if you need to carry equipment or oxygen on board or need help at the airport.
• ‍Plan your destination and itinerary carefully. Look for places with good emergency healthcare and any treatment you may need nearby. Remember, you may be more prone to infection or fatigue if you have cancer. Plan your trip in advance and make sure you take precautions.